Jun 1 • Jo Cox-Brown

LGBTQIA+ Night Research Strategy – Cardiff, Wales


We worked with Cardiff Council to design and deliver an LGBTQIA+ Nighttime Research Strategy, aimed at understanding the experiences, needs, and safety considerations of LGBTQIA+ communities within Cardiff’s evening and night-time economy. The project sought to ensure that nightlife in Cardiff was inclusive, welcoming, and safe for all residents and visitors, supporting a diverse and vibrant night-time culture.

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What it focussed on:

Our approach included a multi-layered research and engagement process:

  • Community surveys: We distributed surveys targeting LGBTQIA+ residents, visitors, and employees to gather quantitative insights on safety perceptions, accessibility, barriers to participation, and preferred night-time experiences.
  • Focus groups: Facilitated sessions were held with LGBTQIA+ community members and local advocacy groups to explore lived experiences, specific concerns, and opportunities for improvement in Cardiff’s night-time economy.
  • Stakeholder interviews: We conducted in-depth interviews with business owners, venue managers, cultural organisations, and law enforcement to understand current practices, challenges, and potential interventions to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
  • Overnight audit: Intensive overnight audit allowed us to observe nightlife activity, crowd behaviour, venue operations, and environmental factors that impact LGBTQIA+ nightlife in real time.
  • Data analysis and reporting: All findings were synthesised into a detailed report, highlighting patterns of risk, areas for intervention, and opportunities to enhance inclusivity.

From this research, we provided evidence-based recommendations that informed:

  • Policy and operational guidance for venues and public spaces to improve LGBTQIA+ safety and inclusivity
  • Targeted interventions and initiatives to address harassment, discrimination, and accessibility barriers
  • Community engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and LGBTQIA+ organisations
  • Future monitoring frameworks to measure the impact of inclusivity initiatives and ensure continuous improvement

The project helped Cardiff Council better understand the needs of LGBTQIA+ communities, informing a night-time economy that is safe, diverse, and culturally vibrant. It positioned the city as a leader in inclusive night-time strategy within the UK.
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Looking ahead

Could your city or venue benefit from a tailored LGBTQIA+ Nighttime Strategy?

Our team specialises in research, community engagement, and strategic guidance to create night-time economies that are inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all communities.

Contact us at hello@nighttimeeconomy.com to explore how we can support your next project.